United States automotive

US probing Tesla Model S after fatal crash in autopilot mode

The US federal highway regulator has launched a preliminary investigation after a man was killed driving a Tesla Model S sedan in "autopilot" mode.

Analysis

The accident happened in May 2016 when the electric car, made by Tesla Motors Inc of the US, collided with a truck joining the highway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was probing the incident and would examine the design and performance of any automated driving systems in use at the time of the crash. About 25,000 Model S sedans fitted with the autopilot system.

The accident comes at a time when global automakers are gearing up to launch a wide range of systems that allow cars to drive themselves under certain conditions. These plans have already drawn fire from safety campaigners, who have questioned the safety of allowing systems to take over even partial control of steering and braking. There is also concern about the legal implications, including who takes responsibility for any accidents.

On June 30th Tesla said its autopilot system was disabled until customers acknowledged that the technology was still being developed. Once engaged, the system gives audio and visual alerts if the driver's hands are not detected on the wheel.

Tesla's chief executive, Elon Musk, has argued that although autopilot technologies are still new, they are pivotal in reducing driver workload and improving safety. The company claimed that this was the first known fatality involving its autopilot in over 130m miles driven with the system engaged, and claimed the fatal accident rate for normal cars is one in every 94m miles.